4 Ladies. 40 Years.
4 Ladies. 40 Years.
Rubi Newsletter
From the Editor. In My Opinion…
Rubi…It’s Been A Great Ride! Thank You to the Founding Mothers!
Ronald Reagan was President. No one had heard of Oprah. The summer Olympics were in Los Angeles. APPLE released it’s first Personal Computer. Van Halen released “1984.” Michael Jackson’s hair caught on fire. The first ever TED talk occurred. Cirque de Soleil was started. Virgin Atlantic takes its first flight. Women gain the right to vote in Liechentstein. John DeLorean is found innocent of his massive Cocaine conviction. The Terminator premieres. And a horrible famine sweeps Ethiopia. Meanwhile, in a little double house at 22 Rubicon Street, 11 people are watching Lupe Valezz, Fonda Peters, Francine Dubois and Dana Sintell dressed in sheets, pillowcases and rotten thrift store wigs. They are performing songs by Donna Summer, Sheena Easton and Madonna. It was the beginnings of something …. but what? A force that would 40 years later become a non-profit … operating through the Dayton Foundation … responsible for donating up to 100 non-profits locally, nationally and inter-nationally. Their combined donations reaching over $3 million and a team recognized by multiple organizations for their work, their love and their desire to HELP …. just HELP in any way they can. They would become the RubiGirls … now, a Dayton treasure.
Throughout the years, over 50 RubiGirls would walk on and off the stage, proudly. There would be highs and lows along the way … and just like a family … there would be dramas and comedies. It hasn’t been easy … it shouldn’t be. Their work has been centered on helping those in need, in pain and in search of a better way. They found their stride when they realized that amidst all the sadness that was attached to the HIV crisis, they could bring light, levity and love. IT WAS A MIRACLE …. truly a MIRACLE. Taking their message around the area and into hearts! There was a great response to their performances. Why? Rubi was CAMP … Rubi was Irreverent …. Rubi was relatable!!! The idea of having to be perfect seemed daunting in a time when trying to survive was first in mind. It is true that Rubi was misunderstood by many traditional drag queens and female impersonators. Rubi should ‘not be taken seriously.’ Even today, members of Rubi aren’t sure how seriously to take things. But, they have stood the test of time by making people laugh! Nowhere was that more important than at the Ohio Healing Weekends, where the RubiGirls, in their unique vulnerable & raw way, helped those facing their new HIV diagnoses with smiles, hugs and a reassurance that Rubi had their back. Nevermind their makeshift dresses … ignore their mediocre make-up …. and lean into what Rubi represents …. HOPE …. HOPE in times when things really are challenging. They’ve been tested. They’ve been second guessed, poo-pooed, scoffed at …. all the while, doing shows in those times with stiff backbones and girdled bellies. Even COVID couldn’t hold them down.
*This is well documented in an upcoming doc. But, more than all the shows, all the accolades and all the publicity … one thing has held RUBI together. There is in this group, in this pack, the perfect blend of attention-seeking and philanthropic mindsets. Each performer is bound by a love to move others into a better place. All the while, feeling the love and embrace of hundreds of fans just hoping to do the same.
Nothing lasts forever … or perhaps something does. Through the tens of thousands helped by Rubi’s love and devotion, it is possible that the kindness they provided will be paid forward to change more lives. Thanks for ALL OF IT, Ladies! You have left a legacy of love.
That alone is hope! That is RUBI!
Celebrating 40 years.
Fonda Peters keeps it light, and people love it!
What a special year for Rubi. 40 years. The RubiNewsday will focus in our next series of editions highlighting memories, moments, stories, photos, and fun spanning their entirety! Just as importantly, we will be looking ahead to a future full of more giving to our community! And YES, We will meet the founding mothers. In this edition, we catch up with a Former Miss Rubicon, a Founder and fan-fave, the hilarious...Fonda Peters.
RN: Fonda. Congratulations on 40 years. Has to be a great feeling! I guess to start, tell some of your fave
memories of this amazing group?
FP: Oh Jesus. There are tons...but one that sticks in my brain was when the police opened the door on Rubicon
St, because we were so loud doing a home show. (They tried to knock but no one heard them.) Francine was
spinning pearls around her neck! The cops came in & she came to a dead stop...looked right at the police and
said, "do you mind I am in the middle of my number" and went right back to spinning those pearls. They waited
for her to finish! SO FUNNY! I also loved doing Flashdance when Dana Spit water on me...honey, the two of us
together...you better LOOK OUT! That night both of our momos were there seeing us.. They’ve since passed.
RN: OMG! Goosebumps. Rubi is iconic, your fan base is huge!...why???
FP: No limits, no rules, we are sorta the Joan Rivers or Matt Rife of drag. We just do and make our statements and throw caution to the wind. People love that!
RN: What performances will you remember forever?
FP: Tons....but Titanic is still amazing. I loved when India led us in "Love is a Battlefield" at Bergamo retreat center. They went nuts for it. I love all ‘The Years in Review.’
RN: So, after 4 decades, why do you feel people, 700 at some shows, are still coming??
FP: We keep it fresh and are mindful of the nuances of our audience. We bring joy and support our community.
RN: There have been 50 or so GIRLS on the RubiStage throughout its history. Who do you miss performing with?
FP: I so miss Francine. She’s such a character. Joyful and light-hearted. Lupe Valezz always packed a punch and even as a performer you hurried to sit and watch her thought-provoking numbers. And, of course, Wyllo. If you think about it, she elevated the whole thing!
RN: There have been some controversial moments for the RubiGirls. Care to elaborate?
FP: I’m sure we have offended someone at every performance. Dana has had a few moments on the mic. We have had protestors, which I love to f*ck with. Of course there are dildos a lot.
RN: There is such talk about the Rubi Sisterhood, especially amongst the originals…what factors have allowed
your sorority to flourish?
FP: We are a family! I see my Rubi sisters more than I do my family. We love each other. As different as we are individually, we all want to do what's best for our community and try to make a difference in people's lives.
RN: One more question, and thank you for taking a minute for this interview. Many ‘girls’ have set foot on the stage. There are only 4 of the early years left....Annie Bitoix, India Summer, Dana and YOU! How have you been able to endure??
FP: Free liquor. No seriously....I get to help our community while spending time with some of the people that mean the world to me! I have so much love for these people.......winner winner chicken dinner!
Rubi's Reach to Expand in '25!
Thanks to a $100,000 in-kind donation from our friends at Mitosis, (Thank you Tyler, Amanda, Zach and Scout) we will be a little more EVERYWHERE in 2025. Look for a presence on TikTok, Insta, FB and a lot more on our upcoming YOUTUBE Channel!
As we navigate our future plans for the coming year, rest assured, Rubi is looking to expand our Scholarship Program, build our give funds and do more outreach to our community to assist in whatever needs are out there! Look for the exciting changes …. COMING SOON! For more info, always visit therubigirls.com.
Rubi, Joui, and Salt Block 'popped some corks!'
If you know you know….Sunday 11/3, Rubi threw one helluva a party at the beautiful Joui space in Downtown Dayton. The brunch, which featured delicious food items from Salt Block was a blend of ‘Tender Mercy’ show and an old home show. People were loving the venue, and it’s wide array of wines and champagnes. Proceeds went to the RubiScholarship! More to come from JOUI, we’re sure!
***Red Snapper was hot….ask a friend!
The Biggest Show of the Year
Sure to sell out, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON’ Rubi’s biggest of the year is gearing up. Highlighting the past, the Girls will feature videos from years ago … and also a list of all the beneficiaries that have been part of the RubiGive for 2024!
RUBI EXHIBIT AT GHOSTLIGHT ENDS SOON!
GHOSTLIGHT COFFEE’S FEATURE OF THE RUBIGIRLS IS ENDING 11/15. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FUN ARCHIVAL WALL…GET THERE! RIGHT NEXT TO THE CLUBHOUSE ON WAYNE!!
In the Next Issue:
- Catching up with Frenchie
- Our Woman of the Year
- The Best and Worst of 2024
